engleski

Bed sharing habits and sleep patterns in adult relationships

Background and Aims: Bed sharing affects sleep patterns. Previous studies indicated both positive and negative effects of couple’s bed sharing to sleep quality, believed to depend also on some aspects of the relationship quality. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in subjective sleep quality (SQ) and sleep patterns between adults who slept with their partners and those who slept alone. In addition, we wanted to examine the predictive value of a set of biopsychosocial factors including relationship quality for subjective SQ in adults living with their partners. Method: Study was conducted with 449 participants (79% women), whose age ranged 18-64 years (M = 32.4). Online questionnaire was applied comprising general questions, questions on sleep patterns, SQ and various aspects of the relationship status. Those in the relationship also answered the Relationship Assessment Scale. A total of 225 participants reported regularly sharing bed with a partner and 176 reported sleeping alone. Results: Significant differences were found between participants sleeping with- and without a partner in several sleep characteristics. Participants who shared bed with a partner had shorter sleep latency (p < .01), earlier bedtimes and wake-up times on workdays and weekends (p < .001), reported shorter naps on work days (p < .001), shorter sleep on weekends (p < .001) and generally needed less sleep (p < .05). Hierarchical regression analysis showed that in participants living with their partner psychosocial factors significantly explained 10% of subjective SQ variance (p < .01). Significant individual predictors were subjective health and relationship quality. Conclusion: Psychosocial factors can affect sleep health. When discussing sleep problems with patients or clients it is important to address bed sharing habits and relationship satisfaction since they can have important, but often neglected, role in modifying sleep patterns and sleep quality in adults.

sleep patterns, sleep quality, relationship quality, relationship status

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